The Washington Treaty of 1922, a watershed event designed to head off a potentially dangerous arms race between the major naval powers, agreed to legally binding limits on the numbers and sizes of principal warship types, effectively banning the construction of new battleships for a decade.

Warships After Washington is unique in its coverage of the political and strategic background of the treaty with analysis of exactly how the navies of Britain, the USA, Japan, France, and Italy responded. For the first time, warship enthusiasts and historians can understand fully the rationale behind much of inter-war naval procurement.

John Jordan, the editor of the prestigious Warship annual, is the author of a number of naval books including French Battleships, 1922–1956.

~Praise for Warships After Washington~

“The scope of the task the author has set himself is immense but he rises admirably to the challenge through a combination of clear structure, concise prose and insightful analysis…Essential reading for anyone with an interest in twentieth century naval history.”

— Naval Books of the Year column inWarship, 2013

“While anyone interested in navies and ships will fine this book rewarding, it will be of particular value for students of seapower and naval technology in the twentieth century.”

— The NYMAS Review

“…An engrossing and detailed account.”

— Nautical Research Journal

“John Jordan’s excellent book on the development of the five major fleets in the 1920s is destined to be bought by the service institute libraries around the world (if it hasn’t been already!) and fully deserves to be. Detailed and technically adroit, this volume provides an in-depth investigation into warship construction and modification in the post-Washington era…Splendid and authoritative though the rest of the book is, Warships After Washington is not likely to be read cover to cover at one sitting. Instead it is one of those volumes that can be delved into selectively as well as mined usefully for all kinds of fascinating details about armaments, displacement, engines, range, size, and types of vessel conceived of and/or developed in these years. Jordan’s expert knowledge of these warship issues is given full range and shown to be wholly commendable. As an additional asset, he writes fluently and with great insight (except on the political background where he is a little shakier). Nonetheless, this reviewer recommends his work enthusiastically to anyone interested in naval history in the 1922-1930 period.”

— International Journal of Maritime History

“Jordan has performed a very helpful service in compiling Warships After Washington. It will be a useful reference and an accessible entry point to anyone interested in warship development during the 1920s.”